But, those of us, old enough to remember that many, many service people lost their lives, or had them changed on that date and thereafter.
That we should never forget, for they gave us our future!
June 6, 1944
Jack Reissman 430th Engineers Korea 1951-1952
Here's a picture of Old Glory that Jack included
============
From my friend Filip in Belgium
No vacation this time of the year,
but remembering D-DAY anyway ! ... At the office !
And a photo of Filip at his desk
=============
From Frank
Hi Marion
Hello! How are you? I hope Everything is fine at your end!
A little note saying that we in Europe today commemorate Normandy 6/6/1944. A day which ensured our freedom and that has changed the course of the world. 63 years ago the Expeditionary Forces set foot on the shores of Nothern France, Normandy to start the liberation of Europe. Countless lives where burried in the sand they walked upon, but from these fallen childhoods the battlecry intensified and there came hope, belief and above all freedom. Freedom that we still today are trully grateful for, freedom that is treasured and that is kept safe within our hearts. Along with the memories of those who helped achieve that freedom. We will always remember you Marion as your friendship is signed across my heart forever. For then. now and forever you have my friendship... I thank you still from the bottom of my heart for the freedom of Europe you helped to achieve...
On September 17, 1944 a Waco glider carrying 5 men of the 101st Airborne Signal Company and a British Corporal of the Royal Signals crashed at Mariekerke (near Sint-Amands & Bornem), Belgium.
Unfortunately all men and the Glider Pilot were killed in this crash.
This glider was on its way to a landing zone north of Eindhoven, near Son, Holland.
Due to a mid-air collision with another glider which caused the trailer (filled with radio equipment and telephone wire) to break loose and shift forward, the Waco was out of control and went down. It hit trees on the edge of a field before smashing into the ground.
Two men - the Glider Pilot (437th TC Group - 83rd TC Squadron) and the British Corporal - had been thrown out of the glider before it crashed and were found on a nearby field. The Corporal was unconscious but showed signs of life and was taken by a British jeep to a nearby hospital (the area was already liberated by British Forces early September).
He died shortly after arriving at that the hospital.
Their names:
F/O Samuel C Welch (Glider Pilot)
Cpl Frederick A Sellers (British Royal Signals)
Pvt Thomas F Vella (101st Abn Sig Co - 101st AB Division)
Pvt Joseph Dottavanio (101st Abn Sig Co - 101st AB Division)
Pvt Gustave O Gerwig (101st Abn Sig Co - 101st AB Division)
Pvt Michael Jugan (101st Abn Sig Co - 101st AB Division)
Pvt Stanley M Zajelka (101st Abn Sig Co - 101st AB Division)
The men were buried at the local cemetery.
After the war, the Americans were re-buried at the American Military Cemetery of Neuville-en-Condroz, near Liège. The Englishman remained at the local cemetery of Sint-Amands.
In 1994 - September 17 - a monument was inaugurated in the presence of the sister of one of the soldiers. Every year, around the 17th, there is a small commemoration.
The helmets were just for photographic purposes.
The left helmet came from the wreck, it shows faintly the insignia of the 101st Abn Sig Co.
4th June 1944, WE the 48th with some help from the 5th Army entered Rome on this date. Bella Roma was a welcome sight after months of dirty Southern Italy. Only sporadic resistance. Al Kincer
SFC Smith was a Sapper (Combat Engineer). This a great tribute to a GREAT Soldier!
Essayons!
Fort Benning's newest physical fitness center is a 100,000 square-foot, two story recreational facility featuring state-of-the-art equipment and amenities.
The aquatics area includes an indoor, warm water, zero-entry pool, a whirlpool spa and a separate four-lane lap pool.
The gymnasium with retractable bleachers can be configured into three practice basketball courts or two competition volleyball courts.
The center also includes 12,500 square feet of cardiovascular and weight training space on two levels, 7,500 square-feet of exercise and training rooms, a rock climbing wall and tower inside the front lobby, two racquetball courts, spacious locker rooms and administrative offices.
Entrances are located on Eckel Ave. and Dixie St.
The facility is conveniently located adjacent to the 1-mile track.
